Human remains found in SC near where NY teen last seen

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Human skeletal remains
were found on a road in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Saturday afternoon near where missing Rochester, N.Y. teen Brittanee Drexel was last seen in April 2009, reports CBS affiliate WROC.

The remains have not been identified. Horry County Coroner Robert Edge
told CBS affiliate WBTW Monday that the remains would first be studied by an
anthropologist and then will be sent to the University of Texas for DNA
analysis.

Lt. Robert Kegler with the Horry
County Police Department reportedly said it appears the remains have been there
for several years.

Drexel disappeared while on spring break in Myrtle Beach in April
2009.

Drexel’s mother released a statement
Monday thanking everyone for “concern and support” following the discovery of
the remains.

“There are many missing children and
adults in the region who have families suffering in anticipation after this
latest news and who, alongside our family, await for a resolution as well,” the
statement said, according to NBC affiliate WCBD.

The discovery of the remains
reportedly came as authorities continue to search for two women, 20-year-old
Heather Elvis and 24-year-old Jamie Lynn Cross, both of Myrtle Beach.

Elvis was last heard from around 3
a.m. on Dec. 18 after she went on a date, her family says, according to Fox News. Her car was reportedly found abandoned at a boat landing in Horry County
Dec. 19.

Cross was reported missing five days
after Elvis. She was last seen leaving her Myrtle Beach home in a green Volvo
around 5 p.m. on Dec. 23, Fox News reports. Authorities have said there is no
indication the two disappearances are related.